Communications Lifecycle Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is comprised of 69,049 volunteers in career fields as varied as mechanics, doctors, plumbers, executives, teachers, and retirees. CAP members embody our core values of integrity, volunteerism, excellence, and respect.

We are your neighbors, your co-workers, and we are servant leaders volunteering our time and resources to support our communities with emergency response, aviation and ground services, youth education and development, along with the promotion of air, space, and cyber opportunities. Civil Air Patrol is in a unique position being both a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and an Air Force Auxiliary.

We are a Total Force Partner along with the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard. We are the only non-profit organization in the United States that combines search and rescue, youth leadership development, with aerospace and cyber education.

Today, our 32,349 cadet members and 36,700 adult members serve with passion across 8 Regions and in 52 CAP Wings throughout the nation, including all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Job Title: Communications Lifecycle Program Manager

Location: Maxwell AFB, Alabama (Local – Hybrid Position)

Reports To: Ryanne Benavidez, Director of Logistics & Mission Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Required Travel: Yes, <=10%

Typical Hours: 40 Hours/Week

Contractor: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $70,200 – $90,200

Validation/Review Date : 24 September 2025

SUMMARY:

The Communications Lifecycle Program Manager oversee the lifecycle of mission critical transmissions systems, electronic devices, remote sensors, and small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) to support geographically distributed units and operations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Responsible for developing and implementing policies, processes, procedures, standards, and strategies maintenance, and disposition of assets in alignment with the corporation’s goals and objectives. Oversees daily activities of the Electronic Systems Maintenance Technicians and collaborate closely with other support/enabling functions to ensure accurate inventory control and accountability, optimal stock level management, and precise inventory movement tracking to efficiently support the field and operational program managers. The Communications Lifecycle Program Manager is ultimately responsible for coordinating CAP’s logistics and operations staffs on operational needs and maintenance trends to gauge the success of the communications program as part of the larger effort to optimize CAP’s operational capability. Evaluates program performance and identifies opportunities for improvement to drive constant program enhancement.

• Responsible for the lifecycle of CAP’s transmissions and technology resources; works with appropriate office of primary responsibility (OPR) to develop sustainable requirements within the approved budgets and recommends actions to the director when there is a disconnect between requirements and approved budgets.
• Plans, prepares, and coordinates annual equipment requirements including procurement, distribution, sustainment, and accountability.
• Manages equipment related data inputs and changes to the Operational Resource Management System (ORMS) database. Ensures associated equipment is properly tracked and accounted for.
• Manages transmissions, sUAS, and other technology maintenance and coordinates with wings/regions to ensure assets are maintained in accordance with established standards.
• Ensures electronic tracking and reporting systems are in place so that equipment maintenance remains within the approved budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Establishes and manages processes and systems for maintenance scheduling, parts estimating, refurbishment & modernization forecasting, and documentation.
• Maintains equipment records library and ensures assets have required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Air Force (USAF), and other required documentation.
• Develops comprehensive proactive maintenance plans and schedules for all transmissions systems, sUAS, and other technology in accordance with regulations and applicable standards/laws.
• Continuously reviews and refines planning methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensures optimal resource allocation by developing schedules that align with mission priorities.
• Monitors maintenance data for accuracy, integrity, and timeliness; coordinates with applicable unit representatives to resolve discrepancies.
• Scrutinizes maintenance data, identifies trends and coordinates with aircraft and parts manufacturers regarding trends and product deficiencies.
• Continuously monitors and reports the health of the program using available tools and key performance indicators (KPI).
• Leads continuous process improvement efforts to continually evolve CAP’s transmissions and technology program, processes, and procedures.
• Coordinates with the director to ensure funds are programmed and identified for planned acquisitions, sustainment and recapitalization both near and long-term.
• Collaborates with the Mailroom, Supply, and Real Property Program Managers to ensure effective and efficient warehouse operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises a team of paid staff members responsible for providing transmission and technology capabilities to support CAP’s strategic goals and initiatives in alignment with the mission, vision, and core values.
• Provides leadership and coaching to the Transmissions & Technology team; empowers staff, manages performance, activities, and priorities while fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST POSSESS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Technology/Broadcast Technology or Certified Radio Operator (CRO)/extensive electronics systems maintenance experience; FCC General Radio Operator's License (GROL) is acceptable.
• Proven leadership experience, including supervising staff, delegating tasks, and fostering team development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage and support team members.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed property.
• High-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with people at all levels of the organization and across a range of different backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a broad scope of audiences.
• Federal Grants and 2 CFR 200 experience desired.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerBI is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A visionary mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities for innovation and translate them into actionable strategies.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid state driver’s license.
• Professional logistics, supply chain, property management certifications preferred.

FREQUENT CONTACTS: National Staff, Wing and Region Transmissions, Logistics, Operations, and Supply Officers, commanders, and external vendors and maintenance facilities.

To apply, submit a detailed resume. This position does not offer a relocation package. In this position, Civil Air Patrol provides 401(k) retirement plan, health/dental insurance, paid life insurance, sick/vacation leave, paid holidays, optional short/long term disability, vision, critical insurance, accident insurance, and a flexible spending account. Salary: $ 70,200 - $90,200. Closing date: 24 September 2025. No phone calls, please. EOE